Pubdate: Thu, 12 Dec 2013
Source: Aspen Times, The (CO)
Copyright: 2013 Aspen Times
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/zKpMPhQ7
Website: http://www.aspentimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3784
Author: Jean-Marie Hamel
POT GROW DETRIMENTAL TO NEIGHBORHOOD
On May 15, 1990, the Board of County Commissioners of Pitkin County
approved the formation of the Woody Creek Caucus. The function of the
caucus is to make recommendations to the county commissioners in
matters directly affecting the caucus area.
On Oct. 31, 2013, the Woody Creek Caucus voted 91 to 7 to deny the
application of the Radtkes' proposed 19,000 square feet of marijuana
greenhouses in two separate pods to be installed at 2520 Lower River
Road with additional square footage on the east side of the road.
Since the commissioners approved the formation of the Woody Creek
Caucus, it seems only logical they listen and take to heart the results.
Up until now, the residents on Lower River Road have spent countless
hours working with officials in Pitkin County to maintain the
integrity of our neighborhood. We have chosen to preserve the past
and present character of the community and endorse and uphold
land-use policies that support, not sacrifice, our residences. Now,
our healthy community is being threatened by a commercial marijuana
operation that has no regard for our residents or preservation of
those things considered advantageous for our neighborhood.
We are zoned AR-10, which means it is primarily a residential
neighborhood that allows its residents to have a couple of horses,
barn, grow hay to feed our horses, or a vegetable garden to feed our
family. If the marijuana greenhouses are allowed to invade our
neighborhood, the intention of our zoning is undermined because the
purpose will change to commercial profit first and residential family
second. The Radtkes, who have rented the land to grow marijuana for
sale, are in it for business purposes, not to add to the integrity of
the neighborhood. And, if their application is approved, how many
other commercial grow operations will follow? No longer will we be a
neighborhood; instead, we will become a road of high-security
commercial grow sites. Destroying our vital neighborhood will have a
tremendous negative impact on Pitkin County and the surrounding communities.
Strong neighborhoods make a community essential and add to its
prosperity. Lower River Road has flourished and thrived thus far
because its residents have supported the culture and values of the
neighborhood. The marijuana greenhouse grow operation threatens to
overturn this.
This dilemma could be solved by having the Radtkes locate their
commercial grow operation in a commercial area that does not threaten
established neighborhoods. It is no wonder the Snowmass/Capitol Creek
Caucus unanimously voted to recommend prohibition of marijuana grow
sites and the Emma Caucus favored a temporary ban.
I strongly urge the county commissioners to follow suit with the
people's voice and deny the Radtkes' marijuana greenhouses to be
constructed on Lower River Road, or at least put a temporary ban for
one year to consider the effects on our residential neighborhood and
community that can never be regained. We place our trust in you to
preserve the integrity, values and unique qualities of our neighborhood.
Jean-Marie Hamel
Old Snowmass
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom